Thanks to a $1 million real estate loan to from MassDevelopment, The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts will have funding to complete the final stage of renovations to its primary program and administrative space located at 535-564 Main St. in Fitchburg.

The Arc provides advocacy, education, employment, residential care, and vocational and recreational services to individuals with disabilities and their families. The renovations are part of multi-year project that has been financed to date through private gifts and capital campaign donations of more than $4 million. 

"Even with a new name, the Arc of Opportunity keeps helping individuals with disabilities and their families reach their fullest potential," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. "Over the last eight years, the organization has worked hard to make this dream a reality. MassDevelopment is pleased to put into place the last piece of The Arc’s puzzle."

In 1999, the Alliance for Resource Management was formed to merge Matson Community Services and Arc Community Services, which combined the expertise, service and knowledge of both agencies.  Earlier this year, the organization announced that the three agencies would become united under one name – The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts – to maximize their impact and community presence.